Which Auto Parts to Use for Repairs

There are many options to choose from when it comes to a car that doesn't work anymore: it can be junked, a new car can be purchased, the car can be fixed, a rental car can be used for the time being, or a family member's can can also be used for the time being. There are a plethora of ideas that can be chosen from if one has a failing car, though, the best thing to do would just repair the car that doesn't work any longer. This may also be harder than it looks, though, because of the fact that auto parts are expensive nowadays, labor is expensive when getting repairs done at an auto repair shop, and there are many choices to make as to what kind of repairs need to be made anyway.

One issue that many people deal with when fixing their car by themselves or having an auto repair shop fix their car is what type of auto parts they'll be using. There are basically two types of auto parts that can be used to fix a car, and they both will be explained, as well as the pros and cons of using each type of auto part.

The first type of auto part that comes to mind when repairing one's car is OEM auto parts. The term "OEM" stands for "original equipment manufacturer," and this means that OEM auto parts come directly from the company that made the car in the first place. In other words, if a person's Chevrolet Cavalier were to fail because of the alternator or starter then an OEM alternator or starter could be purchased in order to repair the car. The benefit of buying original equipment manufacturer auto parts is the fact that there will generally be a warranty on the part that is bought. In addition, one is usually guaranteed that the part will work and fit the car on the first try.

A downside to ordering OEM auto parts is the fact that they are generally much more expensive that other types of auto parts. Whereas other auto parts may be around $50, the same auto parts that are bought from the OEM may be as much as $150. The price makes all the difference, too, when repairing your car, so it may not necessarily behoove you to purchase OEM auto parts.

On the other hand, the other type of auto parts that can be purchased when repairing a car is after-market auto parts, or auto parts that are made for the same automobile by third-parties. These automobile parts are generally much easier to run into, and more auto repair shops and retail stores generally carry after-market auto parts as opposed to OEM auto parts. That is one of the big advantages to buying those types of auto parts, but another is that they are much less expensive than OEM auto parts. This was touched on in the last paragraph about OEM parts, but after-market automobile parts are generally 50% or more less than the original manufacturer's auto parts.

All things considered, it is really up to the person and the situation when the car is being repaired. Many people choose OEM auto parts just because they are the safest type of parts to go with, but arguments for third-party auto parts are because they are much cheaper are more accessible. All in all, though, there are all sorts of options and decisions to make when looking for auto parts to fix your car!